Archive for the ‘Electric Cars’ category

Electric Car Modification Kit

August 10th, 2011

Electric Car Modification KitWhen the global crude oil prices reached its peak at $150 per barrel, local gasoline prices soared to a historical level. Many car owners were unable to cope with the sudden hike on their energy expense bill. Those that could not afford have to abandon their vehicle at home and use the public transportation. Others have decided to find an alternative power source for their cars. One cheaper solution to fossil fuel for our automobile is electricity. Unfortunately, without the economy of scale, an electric vehicle (EV) is still quite expensive. The second best option is to convert an existing gasoline driven car to run on electricity.

The fastest way to retrofit a car into EV is via an electric car modification kit. Most kits will have all the parts and components needed for a Do It Yourself (DIY) project. In an electric conversion project, the objective is to remove the internal combustion engine and replace it with an electric motor. To transfer torque, the motor is connected to the existing transmission unit.

The new power system for an EV is quite simple. To power the motor, a series of deep cycle batteries are used. To control the speed of the motor, we will use a variable resistor controller and it will act as the accelerator paddle. All the components will then be linked to a central management unit.

All these parts can be purchased off the shelves of any hardware store. The challenge is to the find the right unit for your EV power system. By using an electric car modification kit, all the components are included. All you have to do is follow the instructions and start the retrofitting. » Read more: Electric Car Modification Kit

Kia Pop Electric Car Concept

July 28th, 2011

Kia Pop is an all electric concept car that will be presented in September, at the Paris Auto Show. The trend for this show is to highlight electric vehicles which are becoming more and more popular. Earlier this year, at the Chicago Auto Show Kia Ray plug-in hybrid sedan made its debut. Kia Pop, however, is much more innovative in its design.

The car is designed to cater to the city car segment, which is popular especially in Europe, and only measures 118 inches in length. It is longer than Smart For Two but shorter than a Mini Cooper. With a profile similar to Scion iQ profile, its massive windshield stretches so far that it forms a panoramic roof and has a large glass hatchback. The windows are diagonal and pill-shaped. It can seat three persons although it has just a single bench seat. A single seat in the rear is right behind the front passenger. The steering wheel is close to the driver due to an asymmetrical dashboard. With LED lights and a power point at the rear and an interior in purple hues, Kia Pop can easily stand out from the crowd. In the past, Kia cars were more neutral. It would have been difficult to distinguish it from a Japanese car. Kia Pop seems to be fit for a science fiction movie.

Although a production version of this concept car is not likely to be launched, Kia Pop is challenging the conventions and is a design led concept. Its all electric power train might be used for future Kia cars. Concept cars are prototypes that showcase new concepts, styling or technology. Their presence at motor shows is used to assess customers’ reactions to new and radical designs that may be produced. Concept cars do not go into production as such, the undergo changes that make them practical, safer and cost-effective. Some concept cars use exotic or expensive materials such as carbon fiber and refined alloys. Others have an odd number of wheels or special abilities that other cars do not possess. However, more traditional concept cars get past the concept stage and are developed into operational vehicles. » Read more: Kia Pop Electric Car Concept